Ousted Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar has confirmed he has launched legal proceedings against his former employer for what he claims is wrongful termination of his contract.

The controversial Turkish-born Swiss national was sacked by Group Lotus in June, two weeks after being suspended in the wake of an official complaint over his conduct.

It is alleged that Bahar misused company funds to renovate several of his private homes and purchase aircraft.

Bahar has announced that he will seek £6.7 million in damages, according to papers filed in London’s High Court last week.

The Malaysian-based DRB-Hicom organisation, Group Lotus’ new owner brought in to try and dig the carmaker out of the financial mire that Bahar put it in, has declared that it will countersue the flamboyant and widely-disliked businessman.

“Upon advice by our lawyers, DRB-Hicom and Lotus will vigorously oppose and/or defend the claim by Bahar, including filing counter-claims against Bahar,” a statement from DRB-Hicom reads.

“We shall make the requisite announcements when appropriate.”

DRB-Hicom was at pains to stress that the impending legal proceedings would not affect the financial operations of Group Lotus.

“The claim is not expected to have any major impact on the financial or operations of the group. The exact quantum of costs arising from the claim cannot be determined at this point in time.”